CPT Code 77014 | Description & Clinical Information

CPT 77014 describes a medical procedure where a patient lies still on an examination table that moves through the middle of a round CT scanner, while an X-ray machine produces narrow beams of X-rays that pass through specific parts of the patient’s body, with different tissues absorbing different amounts of X-rays, and electronic ray detectors detecting the amount of radiation absorbed into the body, and a special computer program processing the acquired data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of the targeted anatomical site which are displayed on a computer monitor, and interpreted by a radiation oncologist or other specialist physician who can determine the tissue’s condition (normal or diseased), and in case of malignancy, determine the volume of the treatment field where the radiation needs to be applied, and also the healthy tissue area which should be protected from radiation.

Official Description

The CPT book defines CPT code 77014 as: “Computed tomography guidance for placement of radiation therapy fields”.

Billing Guidelines

CPT codes for placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance include 31627, 32553, 49411, and 55876.

Clinical Information

The procedure described by CPT code 77014 involves a diagnostic imaging technique for patients that allows physicians to examine intricate details of internal organs using a CT scanner. The process begins with an imaging technologist asking the patient to lie down on the examination table. In order to ensure that the patient remains still during the examination, straps are sometimes used.

To improve the visibility of internal organs, a contrast material may be injected at the site of imaging. A CT scanner is a large box-like machine with a tunnel at its center that allows the examination table to move in and out of the scanner.

During the actual scanning process, the Xray tube and Xray detectors rotate around the examination table, at a speed of approximately 1 rotation per second. The Xray tubes generate narrow fanshaped beams that pass through the specific target organ and hit the Xray detectors. The technologist standing in the adjacent room monitors and controls the entire process.

A computer terminal processes the raw data and produces clear twodimensional images of the anatomy. The cross-sectional images or “image slices” are then examined by a specialist physician to determine the diseased tissue area and the precise area that needs radiation therapy. This CT imaging for radiation therapy field determination process also helps in determining the normal tissues around the treatment area that need to be protected from radiation.

A complete CT imaging process takes about 30 minutes to complete. Once the examination is finished and the image quality is verified, the technician informs the patient and releases them. This imaging procedure is crucial for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. It is non-invasive and allows physicians to get a better understanding of internal organs without actually going into the body.

CT imaging has numerous applications in medicine and is commonly used in radiation therapy for identifying the precise location for targeted radiation. It is particularly effective in identifying abnormalities in soft tissues like the liver, pancreas, and spleen. It is also useful in detecting tumors and cysts, particularly in the brain, lungs, and bones.

Moreover, CT imaging is useful in detecting genetic diseases, as well as in monitoring the progression of various medical conditions. The technique is preferred by physicians as it is accurate, quick, non-invasive, and painless.

In conclusion, the importance of the procedure described by CPT code 77014 cannot be overstated. CT imaging is an easily accessible, non-invasive and effective procedure that is widely used by medical professionals for the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of various medical conditions. Patients undergoing this procedure can rest assured that they are receiving high-quality care that prioritizes their health and well-being.

Return to all the CPT codes for computed tomography guidance.